Your Virtual File Storage Box

I used to keep a plastic file storage box packed full of manila folders carefully labeled “colic,” “lameness,” “conditioning,” and other horse health topics. Each folder held photocopies of articles from various horse magazines that had been handouts from 4-H hippology or horse bowl meetings or United States Pony Clubs (USPC) rating-preparation sessions. Others were items my mom or I had copied for our own reference in caring for our horses.

Photo: Photos.com/TheHorse.com

A few years later I hauled around a textbook during college called The Horse for a few of my classes. (Prophetic? Possibly.) In fact, I had an entire shelf of textbooks, manuals, and reference books so that I could look up anything when I was studying for tests or trying to understand weird conditions my horse was battling. We didn’t really access the Internet much then for information on horse health.

(Oh, boy, I’m aging myself here.)

Anyway, flash forward to about 15ish years later, to January, when I was interacting with young adults at the USPC meeting and I had an A-level Pony Clubber come over and report excitedly how she’s signed up to receive all of TheHorse.com newsletters and gets in trouble on a regular basis for using too much paper in printing out stories and filing them.

When a USPC national examiner (responsible for testing candidates for certification levels) who, incidentally, authored a book with one of my college professors (the teacher responsible for assigning use of those texts!), told me that she gets TheHorse.com newsletters. And, a confession: She has an entire lineup of plastic file boxes full of horse health articles, many from TheHorse.com.

Many people that week told me they get TheHorse.com newsletters, and I often hear about people receiving them when I’m out interacting with people in horse circles.

I’m partial to our newsletters, of course, because TheHorse.com team puts a lot of time and energy into everything that goes into them, and they’re passionate about the subject. Also, we have come a long way since formatting the first text newsletter more than a decade ago (Yes, I can remember making sure lines of text were only 60 characters!).

But I’d confidently recommend these newsletters even if I weren’t close to them. And hearing how these readers use our newsletters helped me see their usefulness in a new light. Here are seven reasons why you should sign up for our newsletters:

Each one is chock full of curated material based on your interests. Whether you want to learn about all the relevant horse happenings of the week or just items pertaining to nutrition, our team has a newsletter to fit your interests. You can get any number of them; see the possibilities here.

The stories within the newsletter are vetted. We compile important and timely equine health news and information, and it has been proofed by veterinarians/researchers. I’ve heard TheHorse.com newsletter material described as “trustworthy” and “reliable.”

You’ll find related multimedia within them. These newsletters offer more than just articles. You can view slideshows, listen to podcasts, and watch webcasts.

They’ll prepare you to dialogue (discuss, argue, whatever floats your boat) about the latest equine health information, because it’s right there in your inbox. Whether or not you agree with a study’s results, for example, or the decision in a court case, you can discuss the news at length with your barn buddies and how you might apply the information.

They can keep you informed, inquisitive, and active in the details of your horse’s care. A veterinarian mentioned to me in a meeting yesterday that many practitioners keep up with our stories especially because they know their clients will be reading them and asking questions.

In most cases, your email inbox is more portable than plastic file boxes. (Though, I must say, I could see myself keeping those file boxes current if I were managing several horses of my own, though!)

And, last but not least ...

You might be able to ace a test with them. During a national certification test, that inkjet-printer-loving Pony Clubber cited a cutting-edge laminitis study and the examiner accepted her answer! I have to say that made me pretty proud of my team and the hard work that they do, equipping this up-and-coming horsewoman with information. I was also proud of this young lady and her avid pursuit of knowledge.

If you don’t already get one of our free e-newsletters, I encourage you to sign up today, and you’ll be reaping the benefits for months and years to come! And you can begin filling your virtual (or real-life) file storage box!

So, my question for you is, are you taking full advantage of our newsletter offerings? Which newsletters do you get, and has one in particular reached you at the right time and helped you care for your horse?

About the Author

Stephanie

Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief of The Horse, received a B.A. in Journalism and Equestrian Studies from Averett College in Danville, Va., and has worked in six positions at the magazine since 1999. Her equine background is in eventing, and she enjoys photography, cooking, cycling, swimming, and traveling in her free time.

Comments

The views expressed in the posts and comments of this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Horse or Blood-Horse Publications. They should be understood as the personal opinions of the author. All readers are encouraged to leave comments; all points of view are welcome, but comments that are discourteous and/or off-topic may be removed.

Not only do I run the printer ragged but also have sheets laminated and stuck to the stable wall .

Things such as " The top 5 stretches for healthy horses" and "horse health parameters " .

Thank you for your wonderful ' magazine'

christine Perth, Western Australia

25 Feb 2014 8:39 PM

I probably have 15-20 years' worth of articles in binders, categorized like yours. Some things never go out of date, but can still be interesting to read. Recently, I flipped thru one of the medical binders, and reread old articles on Lyme Disease, suggested worming schedules, and lameness. It was very enlightening---and an excellent reminder of how quickly "facts" can change! Some things will never change tho, or get tossed away.... articles about famous horses, Secretariat and Man O'War for example, will be there for the next generation of horse lovers.

CAROL

25 Feb 2014 11:07 PM

Christine and Carol, thank you for sharing what you've saved! My team will be interested to hear about your use of the Top 5 Stretches report, Christine, and yes, it's amazing how quickly recommendations for caring for your horses change, Carol.

Stephanie

26 Feb 2014 8:31 AM

I love your magazine and have many articles archived in a well worn notebook. As a National Examiner and clinician for Pony Club I insist Upper Level members or even ambitious lower level members subscribe to your magazine and electronic newsletter. In fact, you are part of our Recommended Reading List for the HA candidates! Keep up the great work and research. I read your newsletter every time it hits my in box!

Sali Gear

27 Feb 2014 10:03 PM

I spend hours reading and re-reading articles...So good to pin-point pertinent information in minutes. Back in the day, I'd be at the library....on the phone to friends and now I can quietly do my research, in the comfort of my own home. I still collect my horse magazines, but in a pinch, I'm on-line with theHorse.com

Complete, conclusive and reliable!

Cheers!

Jo-Renee Frost

B.C.

Josie-Renee

01 Mar 2014 11:11 AM

I love your articles. I read them regularly and you guys are the first place I go to search for info when I have a question or need information! My barn friends tease me because I am always saying, "well. I read on TheHorse.com..." That is ok, because they also always come to me for advice when they have a "situation".

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